Accident Sequence
During landing, the propeller struck the asphalt runway. The pilot detected a fire and he and his passenger exited the aircraft from the right side. The airplane was subsequently consumed by fire.
Postaccident Examination
After fire and rescue personnel extinguished the fire, an FAA inspector and fire and rescue investigators performed a postaccident examination of the aircraft. The landing gear handle was found in the UP position, and each landing gear door was also in the UP position. Inside the aft cabin section, fireworks and several cigars were found. The majority of the fire damage was concentrated on the right side of the aircraft.
Fire Origin
According to the FAA inspector, the fire appeared to have started aft of the firewall. Due to the extensive fire damage, the exact source of the fire could not be determined. Investigators were also unable to determine whether the fire was initiated prior to or subsequent to the aircraft's landing.